In the era when everyone is talking and encouraging women’s empowerment, men’s mental well-being is almost forgotten. Therefore, events like Men’s Mental Health Month have become more significant in discussing how the male part of the population can be enhanced in health. After all, in my opinion, men’s well-being is crucial to truly empower women.
So, what is men’s mental health month? When does it happen? What is the history, and what is its significance? This post will shed light on all these questions and more. Read on to learn more.
When is Men’s Mental Health Month?
There is not one, but two months associated with men’s mental health. Yes, it’s right. June and November are both marked with the awareness of men’s mental well-being. Although most countries, including the US, observe the month of June with Men’s Mental Health, various other regions, such as the UK, recognize National Men’s Mental Health Month in November and call it Movember.
Discrimination again!? Two months in a year dedicated to men’s well-being is much more compared to the one-day-long Breast Cancer Day, Women’s Day, and Women’s Mental Health Week.
But let’s give it the benefit of the doubt since men take the larger chunk of the population. According to the UN 2021 projection, men’s global population exceeds by the number of 44 million than females.
In any case, the world has dedicated June and November to men’s mental health.
A brief insight into the history of Men’s Mental Health Month
Men’s Mental Health Month has been observed since 1994. It was initially started as Men’s Health Week. Later, President Clinton signed the observance to prolong the event to an entire month, understanding the importance of addressing the specific issue of men’s mental well-being. However, besides this historic signing, not much about the early history of Men’s Mental Health Month is well-documented.
Another school of thought has a different perspective about the history of Men’s Mental Health Month. It all began with a discussion between two friends over a beer in 2003 in Australia.
The charity campaign to raise awareness about prostate cancer soon expanded and became a worldwide campaign to acknowledge the rising cases of depression and anxiety among men.
Why do we observe Men’s Mental Health Month?
Men’s Mental Health Month focuses on raising awareness about the issue and encouraging male members of society to take adequate measures to enhance their well-being. It is necessary in light of the following statistics:
- Based on the 2021 findings of the National Institute of Mental Health, around six million men struggle with depression each year, with over three million men suffering from anxiety disorders.

- Surprisingly, psychosis and schizophrenia are more common among men. Men account for 90% of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia by the age of 30.
- The term “eating disorder” may not instantly conjure up images of guys, but they still account for a significant percentage of those affected. Men make up to 10% of bulimia and anorexia patients and 35% of those with binge-eating disorders.
- Furthermore, men are four times more inclined than women to commit suicide, which is generally the outcome of unaddressed mental health concerns.
- 2.3 million of the male population in the US are suffering from bipolar disorder. The average age group of men falling victim to this disorder is between 16 and 25.
- Substance abuse is another rising mental health issue in American men. Every 1 in 5 males develop alcohol dependency at some point in their life.
- The LGBTQ+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) are more exposed to mental illness.
- Male military veterans from all departments of service experience drug and alcohol addiction twice as much as the rate of women.
What to do in the month of Men’s Mental Health Awareness?
Even though we should address men’s mental health issues throughout the year, the following three things are the cornerstone of the specific months of men’s mental health.
- Raising Awareness: Men’s Mental Health Month provides a chance to highlight the peculiar mental health difficulties that men confront. Its goal is to raise awareness regarding the critical nature of mental health and urge men to seek treatment when necessary. It is crucial to eliminate the stigma associated with men’s mental health and to encourage open discussions about emotional issues.

- Encourage Men to Seek Help: Men are generally pressured by society to be stoic, tough, and self-sufficient, which may cause difficulty for them to recognize and seek assistance for mental health difficulties. Men’s Mental Health Month emphasizes seeking assistance and professional aid when necessary. It motivates men to prioritize self-care and emotional well-being, as well as to recognize that requesting help is a show of strength rather than weakness.
- Address Specific Issues: Men may have mental health issues that are influenced by a variety of circumstances, such as societal expectations, cultural standards, and gender roles. Men’s Mental Health Month encourages the need for targeted approaches to these challenges. This includes discussing anxiety, depression, avoiding suicide, addiction, and the influence of toxic masculinity on men’s mental health. It also emphasizes the necessity of building supportive situations and supporting healthy coping skills for men to thrive mentally and emotionally.
Takeaway
- While Men’s Mental Health Month is crucial, the associated issue should be considered throughout the year. While it is now more normal for men to speak about their emotions and seek assistance than it once was, we must confront the persistent stereotype that males do not require mental health care.
- Talk to the men in your life, and if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, rage, or other mental health issues, there are many resources available to help you. You’re not the only one, and it doesn’t make you any less of a man.
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